Q: I need some new ideas for cool comfy mom shoes so I’m not in my gym sneakers every day this summer but still can run around all day. Help!
-Erin L
There are so many great options for busy moms these days. Your instinct is right: keep your gym sneakers in the gym and try one of these 15 cool options instead.
Espadrilles
This old classic feels so right now.
The rubber sole is a must in their homeland of Spain where cobblestones abound. At J Crew you’ll find the affordable Soludos Espadrilles flats in red and white striped canvas (shown at top), blue chambray and more. ($36)
Glitter espadrilles are more glam but have the same sturdy rubber and jute sole. ($118) And I really love this snake print espadrille, also at J Crew. (on sale for $79.99)
Clog Sandals
Some clogs can be frumpy, but these Loeffler Randall Ankle Wrap Clogs
are anything but. They have the comfort of a clog combined with the
look of a sandal. With this fabulous hit of color you don’t even need
to accessorize above the ankle. ($235)
Ballerina Flats
If you’re a fan of flats, go for an unexpected twist like a fun print or
interesting fabric on a ballerina shoe so they add more pop to even a
basic outfit. These Corso Como ballerina flats come in around 20 fabrics and colors. (on sale for $47.99 at Zappos)
I also like these open toed ballet flats from Blowfish shoes which comes in two cute floral patterns and the price is terrific. Wear them with flowy skirts or cuffed jeans. ($39 at Zappos)
Flip-Flops
If you’re a fan of easy on/easy off shoes, these Yosi Samra Flip Flops look terrific in three different snakeskin prints. ($66 at Piperlime)
TKEES flipflops are a big hit with Cool Mom Picks, and now they’re amazing in bright neon like these TKEES Zincs in yellow. ($48 at Shop Bop)
Gladiator Sandals
Yes, they’re still in and they look great in tan leather (or 4 other colors) by DV by Dolce Vita ($69 at Zappos)
I also really like these Steve Madden Sandals
which will be so comfortable and cute whether you’re running errands,
wrangling kids, or running out to Sunday brunch. ($79.95 at I Found A
Secret, PLUS a 10% discount with code SMSTYLIST at checkout!)
DV also makes these fantastic Archer Sandals
which are like a stripped-down gladiator in a fun snakeskin print. The
ankle strap offers more support than your standard flip-flop. ($69 at
Piperlime)
Sneakers
If you want to stay stylish, stay away from fat lace-up running shoes and instead opt for a comfy slip-on like these Bensimon Tennis Flats which comes in several colors. ($58 at Shop Bop)
Finally, if you’re not above a sneaker splurge, these Phillip Lim sneakers
are like a Teva, only better! In all black with a white sole, or with a
bright red strap that’s not shy at all. (On sale for $259 at Barneys NY
down from $425. Wow.)
ED NOTE: We tried them and unfortunately…they look cute but not as comfy as the other choices on this page.
Contributor Stacey Mayesh
is a successful editorial and celebrity stylist and personal shopper
whose work has be seen in Vogue, Marie Claire and InStyle. If you have
fashion questions for her, email us at info@mompicksprod.wpengine.com with ASK A
STYLIST in the subject. If you want to hire her for personal shopping or
styling help you can do that too!
This post is from awhile back but I just followed the link here from Liz’s blog, and I had to say: You missed one!
These are super popular in the outdoorsy town where I live: Jambu’s Mary-Jane-type sandals: https://jambu.com/2012/Spring/Products/Vegan/index.htm
They’re sandals but fit like running shoes. I love ’em. Perfect for chasing down a wayward child at the park!